Steve Bruce could bin DeAndre Yedlin before the January transfer window closes if Newcastle United sign anyone on loan.

What’s the word?

According to Chronicle Live, Yedlin’s Tyneside future is up in the air ahead of Monday’s Deadline Day as United eye late reinforcements for Bruce’s side.

Newcastle named a complete 25-man squad for the Premier League season last summer and are yet to offload any of those in the winter market, leaving no space for potential arrivals.

Yedlin would serve as a prime candidate to depart if suitable offers are received in the coming days, with the United States international now inside the final six-months of his £30,000-per-week contract and yet to be offered a new deal.

The 27-year-old has spoken on his frustrations at the lack of clarity on his situation, having seen United chiefs fail to make any contact with the defender or his agent.

“Obviously, with my situation, currently I have six-months left on my contract. It has been a bit frustrating because me and my agent have had no communication with Newcastle at all about what their plans are for me, if I can go or if they want me to stay,” he told CBS Sports HQ.

Yedlin has also had visa issues rule him out of Newcastle’s last two Premier League games after his previous work permit expired, which may yet play a role in United’s decision over whether or not to retain the £4.5m-rated titan.

Should Newcastle get rid of Yedlin?

If Newcastle are to strengthen Bruce’s squad before Monday’s deadline passes, the Toon will have to make a tough decision on at least one of his current players and the indicators point to Yedlin being the most at risk.

Yedlin has emerged as a potential target for sides in Turkey and America this month, with reports suggesting the defender – whom Rafa Benitez once said about “I love this player” – has been offered a Major League Soccer return and a move to Super Lig giants Galatasaray.

His preference may be to remain at St. James’ Park and sign a new contract, yet that option may never be one Yedlin can explore as his form – despite being the star of the show against Fulham and Liverpool – would suggest he may not be a huge loss, if one at all, now that Javier Manquillo has returned from Covid.

Among the four players Bruce has fielded at right-back more than once in Premier League fixtures this season, Yedlin’s efforts have only returned marginally superior results to those of Emil Krafth and Jacob Murphy in some regards but often trails those of Manquillo.

Bruce sees Manquillo win the highest number of successful tackles (2.3) and with the second-most attempts (2.7) per 90 – Yedlin offers 1.8 from 3.0 – while Krafth is first for clearances, as he keeps things simple to protect Karl Darlow’s goal with 3.5 a game to Yedlin (2.6), Manquillo (1.5) and Murphy (0.5), per WhoScored.

Murphy tops the charts for interceptions (1.5) to Yedlin (1.4), Krafth (1.3) and Manquillo (0.7), and looks to drive play forward when on the ball far more often than his positional rivals with the 25-year-old making 3.5 successful runs from 5.5 attempts to Krafth (0.3/0.5), Yedlin (0.2/0.4) and Manquillo (0/1).

Murphy matches his drive with quality at the top of the pitch, as well, to deliver 0.8 accurate crosses from 3.1 deliveries a game to Manquillo (0.8/3.3), Krafth (0.3/2.8) and Yedlin (0.2/2.6). It also helps the £3m-rated maestro to create more goalscoring opportunities with 0.8 key balls to Manquillo (0.7), Yedlin (0.6) and Krafth (0.5).

So, if Bruce was to lose Yedlin in the final days of the January transfer window, it may not be a blow for Newcastle to endure, so long as United first meet the one condition needed for his exit. Signing a player who will improve a squad winless in 11 games across all competitions.

AND in other news, Newcastle have landed a huge boost in their pursuit of a £4m-rated beast…